“We like you, Bas,” she said, smiling. “We’ve always liked you. The fact that you love our daughter only amplifies it.”
“Good to know.”
“Of course, her staying in Eugene for good also helps us like you even more,” she joked.
“I bet.”
“I haven’t noticed that any of the last few weeks is bothering her, but you’ll keep an eye on it, right?” Lily asked, grabbing a rag to wipe down the already clean kitchen counter.
“Of course.”
“It could pop up at any time.”
“I know.”
“And we don’t do that bullshit toughing-it-out stuff in this family. We see therapists when we need to.”
“Understood.”
“Good.”
“I’m ready,” Harper said, jogging down the stairs. “Mom, I’ll see you in a couple of days.”
“You better go say goodbye to your dad first,” Lily warned. “Where’s Frankie?”
“Already said goodbye to Frankie,” Harper replied. “She’s packing her bag. Gray’s already home. I’ll go say goodbye to Dad now.”
She practically flew out the back door to find Leo.
“I should be offended,” Lily snickered. She turned to me. “Family dinner once a week. You’re expected to attend and bring Harp.”
“I can do that.”
“I’m going to make Gray and Frankie come, too.”
“Only fair,” I replied, my lips twitching.
“Take care of my girl,” she said, her eyes on mine.
“Always.”
“Said goodbye to Dad,” Harper said as she flew back in the door. She hurried over to hug Lily and then turned to me. “Let’s go.”
An hour later, I was lying on my back in the middle of my bed, Harper draped over me like a blanket, trying to catch my breath.
“It just keeps getting better and better,” she said, patting my arm. “Maybe you should go out of town more often.”
“Nah,” we both said at the same time.
Eventually, she slid to my side and propped her chin on her hand, her other arm thrown across my stomach.
“So, I don’t really have any stuff,” she said. “I thought I should put that out there.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, curling my arm under my head so I could see her better.
“Well, I’ve been living out of suitcases since I got out of college. My apartments were always furnished.”
“So, you’re not bringin’ any furniture when you move in.”
